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All the United States Idaho Leadore Gilmore Ghost Town

Gilmore Ghost Town

A few dilapidated structures are all that remain of this deserted former silver mining town.

Leadore, Idaho

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The view from Gilmore looking across the Lemhi Valley.  
Settled on the edge of the forest in east-central Idaho, Gilmore’s easy access off of Idaho Highway 28 makes it a popular stop.  
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
Double rainbow, all the way across the sky   michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
Teetering structures have been stabilized to protect visitors.  
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
  michaelnhartman / Atlas Obscura User
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About

On Jan. 14, 2009, four Idaho State Police officers on snowmobiles approached a building on the edge of Gilmore, Idaho, a former silver mining town once completely deserted but now accompanied by a handful of occupied homes. As the officers got close, gunfire came from the building and a gun battle ensued, with officers reporting hearing bullets zinging around them. They eventually retreated, leaving the snowmobiles behind.

The incident was never reported but eventually, word was leaked to the Post Register newspaper in Idaho Falls. The newspaper sought the police records, which were denied, and a nine-month court battle followed. The newspaper finally won and reported the story. The shooter was never discovered and the incident was added to the lore of the region.Silver miners in the 1880s settled in Gilmore. At its peak, there were 600 people in the town, but by the 1930s it had essentially been abandoned. It had been known for a number of fine homes and stores and a large power plant, which exploded in 1929. Problems associated with that explosion, plus the effects of the Great Depression, eventually led to the town's demise. Today, eight log and frame structures remain after having been stabilized in 2010. Today in 2022 most of the town has been carved up into privately owned spaces for RVs and shacks. There are four structures that remain untouched and the descriptive signage remains. 

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Ghost Towns

Know Before You Go

The short gravel road leading to Gilmore can be accessed is 65 miles south of Salmon, Idaho.

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Edited By

kcmick, michaelnhartman

  • kcmick
  • michaelnhartman

Published

November 1, 2016

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  • http://rogerplothow.blogspot.com/2009/07/next-time-pull-off-highway.html
Gilmore Ghost Town
Forest Rd 002
Leadore, Idaho
United States
44.458805, -113.269747
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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Leadore

Leadore

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Explore the Destination Guide

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Leadore

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